A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that are able to work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great solution for families that tend to spend a lot of time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be the thing you're looking for. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet that can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel set is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to help older children. This is a great feature, but it may not be practical for your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. pram pushchair 2 in 1 , such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it an ideal option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who often do errands, or transport their children on public transport like buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double as you expand your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that are attached to the base to secure it. In our tests this method was generally more difficult to master than single-step method of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns one. These car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers which can be used for older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to wake them up. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, according to Rothman. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when it's in use and won't come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car or converted into the stroller. It's important to study the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller has an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as a padded insert for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push and fold. Choose models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate many shopping bags. To make storage easier, you should also check how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child has outgrown it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, which allows you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.
